setting up a DIY business?

cobbingstones

Hi

My dh is looking into setting up his own business whlist still working in his full time job.(he is allowed flexi hours). He is very handy and finishes a job to a very high standard, but he is not qualified in any DIY profession. Would you recommend he starts and have you any experience of this yourselves?

All advice appreciated

MM

safesound

There is a niche market open for "handy" people who can do most diy jobs but don't charge the earth. I know I would use one, I cant get a builder out to even quote for most of the things I need doing around my house because they consider them too small to bother with. Yet I don't have the time or skill to do them myself. I'm talking about fiddly little things like; fix where a bit of render has fallen off my garden wall, securely fix a large mirror to the wall above my bed, put a doorway into my garage where the window currently is, build a garden gate to fit the gap in my wall, etc. Not everyone has a handy dad or uncle to call on when these things crop up.
I say try it while still working for say 3 months and if he hasn't gotten anywhere then bin it as a bad idea. However I think once word spreads you'll be pleasantly surprised how many people want a picture hanged or a shelf put up without being charged silly money.

real1314

No experience of it but...

small ads in the local papers - general handyman. shelves fitted, self assembley units built, kitchen units built/fitted...No job too small, etc

what sort of stuff has he done/can he do?

he'll need insurance - if that wall cupboard falls off and lands on someone they could sue. That aspect could cause some problems re training/certification?

cobbingstones

He's done everything at home from fitted kitchens to knocking walls down!
the things he can't do are complicated plumbing and plastering.

MM